Recognizing AchievementRCM Guide to Examinations
The Royal Conservatory Certificate Program is a comprehensive system of music study and assessment from Elementary to Advanced levels.
A Certificate of Achievement can be earned at each level of study from The Royal Conservatory by successfully completing the requirements for that level.
The Benefits of Examinations• Provide a national standard for
students to track their progress• Encourage goal setting• Promote well-rounded musical training
What to Expect at an Examination• An objective assessment of
the student’s skill for that level• A friendly yet professional
atmosphere• Personalized feedback and marks• Results available online
1.800.461.6058 rcmusic.ca/exams
Earn Secondary School CreditsEvery province in Canada awards secondary school credits for the successful completion of The Royal Conservatory Certificate Program examinations. rcmusic.ca/accreditation
PRACTICE THEORY PAPERS: Studying for Theory examinations? Use our official practice theory papers to help you prepare. CelebrateTheory.com
DELIVERY OF CERTIFICATES: Certificates are mailed three times each year in March, August, and October. Certificates for the April Session and May/June (Spring) Session are included in the August mailing.
Medals and AwardsAll examination candidates are eligible to receive Gold Medal awards from The Royal Conservatory. These awards are based on examination results. rcmusic.ca/recognition
The Celebrate Theory series supports students at every stage of musical development with an interactive and engaging approach to presenting theoretical concepts. CelebrateTheory.com
Practical RequirementsPractical Certificate Examinations Required
Preparatory A (piano only) Preparatory A Practical
Level 1 Level 1 Practical
Level 3 Level 3 Practical
Preparatory B (piano only) Preparatory B Practical
Introductory or Preparatory (non piano)
Introductory or Preparatory Practical
Comprehensive Certificate Examinations Required
Level 5 Level 5 Practical Level 5 Theory
Level 6 Level 6 Practical Level 6 Theory
Level 7 Level 7 Practical Level 7 Theory
Level 8 Level 8 Practical Level 8 Theory
Level 9
Level 9 Practical Level 8 Theory Level 9 History Level 9 Harmony (or Keyboard Harmony)
ARCT Diploma For information about ARCT requirements, visit rcmusic.ca/ARCT
Level 10
Level 10 Practical Level 8 Theory Level 9 History Level 9 Harmony (or Keyboard Harmony) Level 10 History Level 10 Harmony & Counterpoint (or Keyboard Harmony)
Level 2 Level 2 Practical
Level 4 Level 4 Practical
Our integrated curriculum encompasses repertoire from classical to contemporary, as well as etudes, musicianship skills, technique, and theory for over 20 instruments, voice, and speech arts and drama.
Recognizing Achievement:
DECEMBER/JANUARY (WINTER) SESSION Registration Deadline: November Theory Examinations: December Practical Examinations: January
APRIL SESSION (in select centers) Registration Deadline: January Practical Examinations*: April*Piano examinations only. Theory examinations not available.
MAY/JUNE (SPRING) SESSION Registration Deadline: March Theory Examinations: May Practical Examinations: June
AUGUST (SUMMER) SESSION Registration Deadline: June Theory Examinations: August Practical Examinations: August
For specific dates: rcmusic.ca/exams
Examination Sessions
Theory RequirementsTheory Certificate Examinations Required
The Theory Syllabus, 2016 Edition includes Levels Prep to ARCT to encourage the study of theory at every level and to support practical studies.
Level 5 Level 5 Theory
Level 7 Level 7 Theory
Level 6 Level 6 Theory
Level 9 Level 9 History Level 9 Harmony (or Keyboard Harmony)
Level 10Level 10 History Level 10 Harmony & Counterpoint (or Keyboard Harmony)
Level 8 Level 8 Theory
PRACTICAL: These examinations evaluate the performance of repertoire, etudes or vocalises, technical tests, aural skills, sight reading/singing, and orchestral excerpts for strings, brass, and wind instruments.
THEORY: These examinations evaluate the understanding of the building blocks of music, from the basics of notation at the Elementary levels to structural and harmonic analysis at the Advanced levels.
1.800.461.6058 rcmusic.ca/exams
RCM Guide to Examinations
